Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary - civil

 adjective  Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin ~is, from civis  Date: 14th century  1.  a. of or relating to citizens  b. of or relating to the state or its citizenry ~ strife  2.  a. ~ized ~ society  b. adequate in courtesy and politeness ; mannerly a ~ question  3.  a. of, relating to, or based on ~ law  b. relating to private rights and to remedies sought by action or suit distinct from criminal proceedings  c. established by law  4. of, relating to, or involving the general public, their activities, needs, or ways, or civic affairs as distinguished from special (as military or religious) affairs  5. of time based on the mean sun and legally recognized for use in ordinary affairs Synonyms:  ~, polite, courteous, gallant, chivalrous mean observant of the forms required by good breeding. ~ often suggests little more than the avoidance of overt rudeness owed the questioner a ~ reply. polite commonly implies polish of speech and manners and sometimes suggests an absence of cordiality if you can't be pleasant, at least be polite. courteous implies more actively considerate or dignified politeness clerks who were unfailingly courteous to customers. gallant and chivalrous imply courteous attentiveness especially to women. gallant suggests spirited and dashing behavior and ornate expressions of courtesy a gallant suitor of the old school. chivalrous suggests high-minded and self-sacrificing behavior a chivalrous display of duty.